Created by - Jigar Soni

“Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit.”

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

SAPUTARA HILL STATION

Take a deep breath. Disappear. You have entered nature’s womb.


In winter, at the spill of dawn, trek up to the Gandhi Shikhar as the river of light bathes the streams over undulating mountains and the drifting birds, into a magical dance of awakening.


In rains, breathe in the rolling hills of Saputara, echoing green hues, lush with flowers, and watch the meditating rain drops sitting still on sloping leaves. Some of the thickest forest cover in the state envelops you.


In summer, walk carefree on the expanse of the Governor’s hill and see the sun dip into the Saputara lake as the sky begins to shimmer with stars.
As your bus chugs uphill, crisscrossing over the Ambika river, you leave all the congestion of towns and cities far below you and enter the spirit world of tribal people. Nestled in the Sahyadri range, at an altitude of about 1000 m, this Dangi enclave derives its name from the Snake god revered by the tribals and translates as ‘the abode of serpents’, Saputara.


In spite of being the only hill station of Gujarat, it is minimally commercialized, still unspoiled

DWARKA

Dwarka is a sacred town located 453 km west of Ahmedabad. The town has a special importance in the mythology. About 5,000 years ago, Lord Krishna had made this site as his kingdom and founded a beautiful city here.



Today, Hindu pilgrims flock to the site to see the towering Dwarkadhish temple, dating to the 16th century. Built entirely of granite and sandstone, it is supported by 60 pillars and rising to a height of 51 m. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Just a walking distance away from Dwarkadhish temple is another small but lavishly carved temple i.e. Rukmani temple. Built in the 12th century, the temple is dedicated to Krishna’s consort Rukmini.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Increcible India

PORTUGUESE FORT, DIU - GUJARAT

Introduction to Portuguese Fort,Diu

Diu is dotted all around green with palmyra, coconut, tamarisk and the hoka trees. The Portuguese had carried the hoka to India from Africa. The plantain, guava and custard apple trees are spotted all over the island. Fishing is the main livelihood of the people of Diu. Rum is also made of sugarcane. The outstanding Portuguese fort in Diu better known as the Fortem do Mar at the eastern tip of the island is the most arresting reminder of the times. Within the fortress walls you can see piles of old cannonballs, some of which are used as borders for the striking garden-beds in the fort's interior compound. Indianholiday.com is your indispensable e-guide to the tourist attractions in Diu.


History of Portuguese Fort,Diu


Portuguese Fort in Diu was constructed on the ruins of another fortress, built by the Arab Governor Malekhyaaz ­around 1400 AD, which in turn was built over a still earlier fort dating back to 700 AD. At the end of the Fort Road is the Portuguese Fort PraSa-de-Diu (29 m) built in 1535-41, standing like a guard on the east. In ravages of time, the Diu Portuguese Fort is now in ruins. A few cannon balls are scattered here and there. Above all, the last blow came when the Indian Army mounted Operation Vijoy in 1961.

SASANGIR - GUJARAT

It is highly unlikely that those planning a tour to Gujarat will leave out Sasangir. Tour to Sasangir is a thrilling idea. It will take you to a place that is the only place outside Africa that serves as a natural habitat for the lions. Sasangir covers a distance of about 1424 square kilometers, Sasangir is a place that would generate interest in wildlife enthusiasts and bird lovers. Indianholiday.com is you one stop guide that provides you with all the useful info on your tour to Sasangir.


The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is a must visit destination on you Sasangir tour. The forest provides safe asylum to a diverse kind of birds and smaller animals. If you are lucky enough, you will also chance upon panthers and hyenas. Among the other commonly spotted animals are included the Indian deer, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, bear, long tailed langur and chowsingha. The Gir Lion Sanctuary project was initiated in 1972 with the noble desire to save the lions from being mercilessly butchered.
The best time for touring Sasangir is mid-October to mid-June. The sanctuary remains open to the visitors during this time. If you plan your tour to Sasangir during the monsoons, you forgo the pleasure of visiting the sanctuary that remains closed during this period.
Besides the sanctuary, the other popular places of tourist attraction that one can explore during one’s tour to Sasangir comprise of the quaint temples like Kankai Mata and Tulsishyam. Despite their antiquity, the temples are held in great reverence till now.

SHAKING MINARETS - AHMEDABAD

Introduction :

The Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad or the Jhulta Minar is one of the most unique monuments in Ahmedabad. Located in Siddi Bashir’s Mosque near the Sarangpur gate this is one of the beautiful tourist places in the city. Indianholiday.com offers online information on Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad and other tourist attractions of Gujarat and other parts of India.

History :
History says that a slave of Sultan Siddi Bashir constructed the Siddi Bashir’s Mosque and the minarets in the year 1461. Though there a number of myths surrounding the Jhulta Minar or the Shaking Minarets, Ahmedabad yet according to popular belief it was done to avoid the earthquakes. It is said that a European Sanskrit scholar, Monier M Williams noticed that the minarets are shaking. So this led to the name of Shaking Minarets or Jhulta Minar

SARITA UDHYAN - GANDHINAGAR

Gandhinagar is often referred to as the green city. The numerous parks and gardens in the city makes the city looks more beautiful. Gandhinagar attracts tourists because of its amazing location beside the Sabarmati River. The river by the city and the greenery all over the city gives Gandhinagar a unique identity of its own. Among the most famous gardens in Gandhinagar, Sarita Udyan, Gandhinagar is one.


The Sarita Udyan, Gandhinagar is situated in the sector no. 9 in Gandhinagar. Sarita Udyan, the name itself signifies the name of a garden. Sarita Udyan in Gandhinagar is located on the bank of river Sabarmati. The beautiful flower trees, the atmosphere of the garden is a sure attraction for all the visitors coming to the garden.

Sarita Udyan is also a favorite picnic spot among the residents of Gandhinagar. People flock in large numbers with their friends and families and enjoy doing picnic in the Sarita Udyan in Gandhinagar. The location on the undulating land beside the river Sabarmati gives Sarita Udyan of Gandhinagar an added prominence. The Sarita Udyan at Gandhinagar in Gujarat in India is also full of recreational and entertainment facilities. This feature of the Sarita Udyan attracts people of all ages and all round the year.

The added attraction of Sarita Udyan at Gandhinagar in Gujarat in India is the deer park which is situated near by. The Deer Park is also one of the most visited parks in Gandhinagar. The deer and the vast area attract tourists for the undisturbed and quiet atmosphere of the place.

The Sarita Udyan in Gandhinagar in Gujarat in India is well kept and maintained. There are gardeners appointed who take proper care of the trees planted and special persons are there to take proper care of the garden. Sarita Udyan looks beautiful and more attractive with the flowers in their full bloom during the season.

INDIAN RAILWAYS

Indian Railways